Sen. Steve Gooch Named Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee

ATLANTA (January 16, 2013) – Sen. Steve Gooch (R- Dahlonega) has been named Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee for the 2013 – 2014 term by the Senate Committee on Assignments.

“A strong transportation infrastructure is needed in order to encourage economic development investment and expansion in Georgia. As a former DOT board member and previous secretary of the Senate Transportation Committee, I have been involved in many discussions about the transportation needs of Georgia, and I am looking forward to continuing those discussions with my Senate colleagues,” said Sen. Gooch.

The jurisdiction of the Transportation Committee includes legislation relating to highway safety, regulation of intrastate common carriers, including railroads, buses, trucks, vessels, pipelines, and civil aviation. Also included are inland waterways and any other means of transportation.

In addition to his chairmanship duties, Sen. Gooch will also serve as vice chair of the Senate Economic Development Committee, an ex-officio member of the Senate Rules Committee and as a member of the Senate Appropriations and Natural Resources Committees.

“I’m humbled to preside over a Senate that is strongly unified and filled with individuals that are hard-working, intelligent and dedicated to solving problems,” Lieutenant Governor Cagle said. “I look forward to working hand-in-hand with Chairman Gooch, who is extremely well-versed and passionate about this important subject matter, to deliver Georgians real results on the major issues facing this State.”

“We are fortunate to have a wealth of talent and experience in the State Senate,” said President Pro Tem David Shafer (R-Duluth). “I have every confidence in our new committee leadership team.”

Once a piece of legislation is introduced in the Senate, it is assigned to a Committee, depending on its topic. If the Committee gives the legislation a “do pass” recommendation, then the proposed law is sent to the Rules Committee for consideration. The appointed chairs will oversee the operation and order of Senate committee meetings, including calling for action on bills, resolutions or other matters assigned to that committee.

The first term of the 152nd Legislative Session of the Georgia General Assembly convened January 14, 2013 at the Georgia State Capitol.